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Amazon reportedly launching streaming music service for Prime members this week

According to the New York Times, Amazon will be launching its own streaming music service this week. It’s odd timing considering that the online retailer is having an event next week in Seattle.

The alleged music service would represent added value for Amazon Prime members. The company recently raised the membership fee from $79 a year to $99. The membership includes free two-day shipping on a majority of items sold by the retailer, free video streaming via the company’s Instant Video library, and a lending library for the Amazon Kindle e-reader.

According to reports, the music service won’t completely compete with Spotify, Rdio, Beats Music and others. Instead of releasing music at the same time its available for purchase, Amazon’s streaming service will release the music six months later. Also, according to the New York Times, Universal Music Group will not be part of the streaming service.